IRS25112 BISA Managing Director

The Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA) is a non-profit international research institute dedicated to food, nutrition, and livelihood security as well as environmental rehabilitation in South Asia, which is home to more than 300 million undernourished people. BISA is a collaborative effort involving CIMMYT and the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR).  Please refer to this website for more information: http://bisa.org/.  

We are seeking dynamic, innovative, self-motivated, and service-oriented professionals for the position of BISA Managing Director.

The position will be based in: New Delhi, India.  

The main responsibilities of this position will be:

• Technical Oversight:
• Gives technical oversight to BISA research and specific aligned service units.
• Leadership and Mentorship:
• Initiates and sets goals for the program according to the strategic objectives of BISA.
• Develops strategic plans and scientific priorities for the research program, in line with the organization's broader mission and objectives.
• Ensures the scientific rigor and relevance of the research program.
• Monitors the latest developments in the field and adjusts program priorities as necessary.
• Fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Leads, supervises, and coordinates the work of scientists with diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Mentors program scientists in executing high-quality and relevant research, collaboration, and capacity development activities.
• Coordinates relations and collaboration with CIMMYT, as well as other external partners, to facilitate successful research outcomes. This may involve collaborating with academic institutions, government agencies, or industry partners.
• (External) Relationships:
• Facilitate successful research outcomes. This may involve collaborating with academic institutions, government agencies, or industry partners.
• Advocates and advance BISA's research agenda and position it with key stakeholders and in international meetings and fora.
• Contributes to the visibility of BISA, its mission values, outputs, strategies, and impact.
• Continually builds existing and new relationships with national programs and farmers ' organizations.
• Effectively collaborates with stakeholders to prioritize professional capacity development opportunities for the genetic resource’s scientific community.
• Represents BISA in international consortia, meetings, and by maintaining an online presence and then utilizing these opportunities to strengthen both existing and new partnerships.
• Resource Mobilization:
• Together with BISA Director General, represents the program to research investors to secure financial support and develop research proposals aligned with BISA's research strategy and capacity.
• Identifies, pursues, and secures funding opportunities to support the program. This includes writing grant proposals, liaising with potential donors, and maintaining relationships with existing sponsors.
• Management:
• Oversees the planning, execution, and completion of individual research projects within the program.
• Realizes the agreed research budget (realization of the required burn-rate).
• Ensures that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with all relevant regulations and quality standards.
• Effectively manages and enhances BISA 's human, financial, and capital resources and processes.
• Develops and approves budgets.
• Ensures program operations and activities adhere to legal guidelines and internal policies of BISA.
• Develops and implements policies and procedures related to program management and research conduct.
• Conducts periodic performance and assessment interviews
• Any other duties that may be assigned by supervisor.

• 10-15+ distinguished years in a Senior management position in a nonprofit organization, foundation, private company, or government agency, with significant scientific leadership and executive management experience.
• PhD in Plant Science and Genetics, Plant Physiology, Agronomy, or highly relevant field, with expertise in genetics and excellent knowledge of the characteristics, processes and indicators for a world class, science-based genetics program.
• International and developing country experience is highly desired, with a mission/interest on improving livelihoods in third world countries and integrating plant breeding programs for food security.
• A track record delivering superior results and commanding respect in previous organizations via a collaborative and inclusive working style.
• Previous success in roles requiring execution of multiple tasks while responding to multiple priorities in a fast-track organization.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide array of people – junior and senior, from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and of many disciplines.
• Outstanding communication skills (written, oral, presentation) and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for driving organizational mission and impact.
• Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy in the setting of an international organization.
• Transparent communication style: Direct, with substance and without hidden agendas.
• A self-starter, with discipline, spark, imagination, and creativity.
• The ability to remain focused in the face of pressure and high capability of delivering against timelines.
• A willingness to travel internationally on a regular basis.
• The selected candidate should exhibit the following competencies: Team Leadership, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making, Teamwork, and Communication.

The position is for an initial fixed-term contract of 3 years, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT’s/ BISA internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual home travel airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

Candidates must submit the applications online here no later than February 9th, 2025.

Applications must include a CV with contact details (telephone and email address) of 3 work-related references along with the confirmation that Recruitment can contact them) and a cover letter.

Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

This position will remain open until filled.

BISA is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.